Impregnated Synthetic Opal - Available Colors

Synthetic Opal (Impregnated) in Different Body Colors

Impregnated Synthetic Opals - Details and Description

Coarse and Fine Crystalline Opals with a Non-Directional Pattern of Play-of-Color (Type 1)

Based on research and various space experiments performed under microgravity, these opals are the world's first samples of homogeneously crystallized synthetic opals, also known as colloidal or photonic crystals. This kind of synthetic impregnated opals shows an intense play-of-color with an irregular, non-directional and polygonal pattern like natural opals, but without any cracks, inclusions or host rock (matrix). The opals are composed of self-organized and ordered monodisperse silica particles embedded in an organic polymer matrix and due to the lack of water in its chemical composition they are not prone to cracking or crazing. Seven varieties of synthetic impregnated opals in different body tones and with a beautiful, sparkling and vivid play-of-color are available: White Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Opal, Orange Opal, Blue, Purple and Green Opal.

These synthetic impregnated opals don't show a columnar pattern typical for opals grown by sedimentation. Thus, an orientation of the opals prior cutting is not necessary anymore.

Furthermore, in contrast to conventional impregnated synthetic opals the new preparation method by homogeneous crystallization allows a significant lower silica content. This makes the processing of the coarse and fine crystalline opals much easier and both types can be drilled, carved, sliced and cut by standard carbide tools.

The non-directional and coarse-grained pattern with big crystallites of 2-3 mm make the synthetic impregnated opals an ideal material to cut colorful beads, teardrops and cabochons for jewelry. But of course, the opals can be used also as inlays for musical instruments and furniture, as mosaic tiles or handle material for knives, brushes and other exclusive objects. Due to the flexibility of the opals in thin sheets also curved surfaces can be decorated. Furthermore, the size of the opals allows carving of big objects and sulptures, solid opal rings and bangles.Be inspired by our Gallery of Rough and Cut Synthetic Impregnated Opals

A special variety of synthetic impregnated opals type 1 are fine crystalline "Aurora Opals" with an impressive swirly or flame-like pattern of Play-of-Color. These synthetic impregnated opals are available in four bright different colors as opals with Green, Red and Orange and Blue as dominant colors. More information: Aurora Opals

Synthetic Impregnated Opals Type 1 - Advantages and Properties

Multicolored Pattern with Big Grains (Crystallites) of 2-3 mm

Long-time Stable, No Cracking, Crazing or Yellowing

Without Inclusions, Cracks or Host Rock (Matrix)

Affordable Price

No Blind Spots without Play-of-Color

Intense Play-of-Color in dominant Red or Green, Seven Varieties in Different Body Tones

No Special Care Required

Flexible in Thin Sheets

Easy Processing for a Wide Range of Applications

Large Objects Producible from a Single Piece

Ideal for Carving, Slicing, Cutting and Machine Processing

Non-directional Pattern of Play-of-Color

Properties of Impregnated Synthetic Opals - Type 1

Specific Gravity: 1.3 - 1.4 g/cm3

Index of Refraction (RI): 1.49 - 1.50

Porosity: Non-Porous

Temperature Resistance: up to 140°C

Hardness (Pencil Hardness): 4-5

Composition: 15-20% SiO2 + 85-80% Resin

Body Colors: White, Black, Blue, Violet, Yellow, Orange and Red

Play-of-Color: Multicolored and Non-Directional

Pattern: Coarsely Crystalline with Polygonal Grains of 2-3 mm

Form of Delivery: Rough Opals

Shapes: Cylindrical or Rectangular-Shaped Slabs

Sizes: Ø 100 x 40 mm (round), 180 x 120 x 40 mm (rectangular)

Weights: 390g (round), 1200g (rectangular)

Impregnated Synthetic Opals with a vivid Play-of-Color

Multicolored opals with a directional pattern of play-of-color.Opals Type 2 / Opals with a Columnar Pattern

Impregnated Synthetic Opal, Rough Black Opals

Directional Pattern, Black Synthetic Impregnated Opal

Synthetic Opal (Impregnated) - Rough White Opal

Directional Columnar Pattern, White Synthetic Impregnated Opal

Impregnated Synthetic Opal, Rough Opal (800g)

Directional Pattern, White Synthetic Impregnated Opal

Impregnated Synthetic Opal - Side View

Directional Columnar Pattern, White Synthetic Impregnated Opal

Impregnated Synthetic Opals - Details and Description

These impregnated synthetic opals show an intense play-of-color with an directional (columnar) pattern without any cracks, inclusions or host rock (matrix). The white opals are composed of self-organized and close-packed monodisperse silica particles embedded in an organic polymer matrix and due to the lack of water in its chemical composition they are not prone to cracking or crazing. White impregnated opals are available with a multicolored pattern in a variety of weights and sizes, ranging from 50 - 800 grams.